FAQ

Abaddon is a medieval post-apocalyptic computer role playing game. The central precept of Abaddon is based around the following quote from Arthur C. Clarke "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic". Basically the idea of Abaddon is to create a realistic world, albeit one set in a dark and dismal future.

Using my background in historical studies, my desire is to combine the concepts of mythopoeia, euhemerism, hagiography, and that of the byronic hero to create a compelling storyline with a realistic and detailed setting.

In terms of the structure of the game, it will have be released in an "episodic" format, with each game being a Chapter in the overall storyline. The first game released will be Abaddon : Chapter 1 : Vitae Gilead. Chapter 1 will follow the storyline of Duke Gilead of Antioch, as he begins his quest for the secret to immortality.

Q: Help! I cant get it to start!
Well, first make sure you have the latest version of DirectX. There is a known bug where the classic version might not work in full screen mode on some computers. This can be rectified by hitting alt-enter to go to windowed mode.
Q: How many classes are there?
There are nine different character classes, six different statistics, and twelve different skills.
Q: What do you mean by stats and skills affecting game play?
Well, basically every character's reaction is based off of your stats and skills. To give an example people will react better to a character with a high Charisma score. Therefore every stat and skill will open up multiple different side quests, the game will never play the same twice.
Q: What language is Abaddon programmed in?
C++ using the Direct X 9.0 SDK.
Q: How many people are working on Abaddon?
Basically myself, Ive done all the coding and all the artwork on the web page and the game.
Q: How long have you been working on Abaddon?
Well, in its first incarnation (As Champions of the Apocalypse), started way back in 92' I guess, in BASIC! Since then, everytime I learn a new language I start a new Abaddon.
Q: So what is Abaddon inspired by?
Well the short list would be the books The Dying Earth, The Stand, The Road, and I Am Legend; the Gamma World RPG series by TSR; the movies Planet of the Apes (1968), Logan's Run, A Boy and His Dog, and Zardoz; the manga Gunnm; the anime Vampire Hunter D; the magazine Heavy Metal; and the New Gods comic series by Jack Kirby.
Q: Any advice for a budding game programmer/designer?
Well, its a LOT of work, mostly coding. But ya gotta do it, and if you are lucky, and you stick with it, you can get something you are proud of!
Q: Are you gonna have magic in Abaddon?
No. This is not because it would be difficult to implement, it would be very easy to add, and now I understand why every RPG has magic, ITS SO EASY. But I will not, I want Abaddon to be different, not just a cookie cutter clone RPG like most of those out there. I think the abuse of magic as a crutch makes it so...well, unmagical, it loses all its otherworldly appeal. Even Tolkien avoided employing magic as a "deus ex machina", which is something that the fantasy copy-cats cannot help but do.
Q: Can I help?
Not really...I don't really need any help right now, the biggest thing you can do to help is by spreading the word about Abaddon, adding links to my page, and just telling your friends about the awesome game that is Abaddon.
Q: I wrote you an email, but you didn't write back!
Yeah, Uh..Umm...Sorry :( I am really busy, I try to respond to most of my emails, but sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed, as I work my way through the bulk of my emails I will eventually get to yours.